Best Hindi films on Dacoits/Bandits
In the 70s and 80s, Bollywood milked the entire ‘daaku’ thing massively, churning out film after film. Mostly Vinod Khanna and Sanjeev Kumar became the epitomes of such films.
However, in the more recent years, the genre has taken a drastic turn and is mostly limited to the parallel cinema these days. Some of the best Indian films featuring dacoits as the key figures are-
Whenever we heard the word Daaku, we know only one name “Gabbar Singh” in Indian cinema, but plenty of Bollywood films based on Chambal Baaghis are present.
Best Bollywood Movies on Chambal Dacoits
Sonchiriya (2019)
Abhishek Chaubey has been known as the specialist of making films set in the Indian Hindi heartland. Sonchiriya is one such film, where he put in a lot of research, resulting in an extraordinary film.
The film is set in Chambal valley and features gangs of warring dacoits struggling to survive in the increasingly difficult social and political environment. Although the film was a box office failure, it will be remembered for the powerful appearances by Manoj Bajpayee and Sushant Singh Rajput.
Bandit Queen (1994)
Bandit Queen, made in 1994, is one of the most ‘difficult to watch’ Hindi films of all times. Telling the story of a lower caste girl named Phoolan Devi as she struggles to survive.
From a tortured little girl to the leader of a dacoit gang, her story has everything. The film was directed by Shekhar Kapur and met with huge critical acclaim, winning accolades at the national and international film festivals and award functions.
Also Read: Movies Banned in India
Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Irrfan Khan ruled the entire film from A to Z and hypnotized the audience with his amazing performance as the lead character. The film tells the story of an international level athlete as he becomes a dacoit when the Indian law and order fails him.
Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film won the Best Feature Film and Best Actor Award at the 60th National Film Awards and was hailed as one of the best films of 2012. Pan Singh Tomar is one of the Best Bollywood Biopic Movies of All Time.
Phamous (2018)
Another film set in Chambal, this times stars Jimmy Shergill in the leading role as Radhe. The romantic drama film tells the story of corrupt politicians and vicious dacoits. Kadak is the local gangster who is fast friends with Tripathi.
Hell becomes lose when Tripathi eyes Radhe’s wife. Radhe now has to do anything he can to ensure the safety of his wife from the eyes of bad guys. The film remained anonymous due to the lack of marketing, but it did deserve at least a little bit of appreciation.
Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971)
Mera Gaon Mera Desh starred Vinod Khanna and Dharmendra in the leading roles, along with Asha Parekh. The romantic action drama film told the story of Ajit, a former prisoner who has come back to his village to lead a simple life.
However, he learns that there is a dacoit that terrorizes people. Ajit now takes it upon himself to ensure the safety of the villagers while also keeping the love of his life safe. The film was also known for its soulful music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Mujhe Jeene Do (1963)
Mujhe Jeene Do starred Sunil Dutt in the grey role as a dacoit named Jarnail Singh who now seeks the life of simplicity but his past will not leave him ever. He married a courtesan and becomes a father and moves his family off to another village to safeguard them from the police.
But the villagers have an old grudge against Jarnail. How will it result? That is what the film is about. Along with the high octane action, the film also featured a beautiful soundtrack composed by Sahir Ludhianavi.
Dacait (1987)
Dacait stars Sunny Deol in the lead role as one of the early films of his career that established him as a superstar as the 90s arrived. The film features the story of a simple hardworking boy whose family is repeatedly tortured by a local Zamindar and eventually killed.
In order to exact revenge, he becomes a dacait after being raised by a few of them. The film was directed by Rahul Rawail and although it was not a very big hit when it was released, it was eventually known as one of the finest films from Sunny’s early career.
Also Read: All Superhit Dialogues of Sunny Deol
Patthar Aur Payal (1974)
Pathar Aur Payal once again starred Dharmendra and Vinod Khanna in the same film about dacoits and revenge. Only this time, they play brothers. After their parents were hanged by a local kingpin, the brothers decide to avenge them in their pursuit of vengeance, they become dacoits.
However, Vinod Khanna eventually turns into a bad guy while Dharmendra remains the hero throughout. The music of the film, given by the legends Kalyanji-Anandji became a core reason for film’s success.
Your Turn
Yes, We skipped “Sholay” in this list, it was too obvious and doesn’t need any recognization. But if you think that we have missed some other great Bollywood Films on Dacoits, then do mention or share the list in the comment section of this post.
